Halloween may be over, but perhaps you have partied with a man dressed up as Leon S. Kennedy from “Resident Evil,” or maybe you have seen photos of the Halloween costume online. They look so authentic.
Handsome, charming, and strong, Kennedy is a character that has embodied the essence of the horror game franchise. This article will reveal some facts you may not know yet about this “Resident Evil” character. But first, who is he?
Who Is Leon S. Kennedy?
Kennedy first appeared in the franchise in 1998’s “Resident Evil 2.” He would then go on to appear in various “Resident Evil” media, not just games, but most recently, he is seen in the new “Resident Evil 4” remake.
A perennial hero, he is an agent working directly for the United States president, so he does all he can to protect his country and its people.
But actually, he isn’t a full-blooded American but an American of Italian descent. Currently, he is employed as a federal agent by the Division of Security Operations. The DSO is a counter-terrorism agency under direct command from the president.
Kennedy is also a survivor of the 1998 Raccoon City Destruction Incident, and he was still a police officer at that time. Following his escape, he was forcefully recruited to be part of a top-secret anti-Umbrella team under USSTRATCOM devoted to anti-Bio Organic Weapon combat, serving until 2011 in repeated operations worldwide.
The Umbrella Corporation is a fictitious multinational conglomerate with influence in the production and sale of chemicals, cosmetics, industrial machines, pharmaceuticals, consumer products, and health foods, as well as known for its products for the transportation industry and tourism. However, its wide range of subsidiaries was purposely built to cover up its illegal activities.
7 Facts You May Not Know Yet About Kennedy
1. Kennedy Joined STRATCOM to Protect Sherry Birkin
This “Resident Evil” hero actually did not sign up to be part of the United States government’s STRATCOM by choice. He actually did it to protect Birkin.
For several days, the United States government interrogated Kennedy, but he refused to bring up anything about Claire Redfield or Ada Wong in order to protect them. And, to protect Birkin, he agreed to join the STRATCOM forces. With Kennedy’s abilities, the government knew he would be helpful in the future.
2. His Sarcasm Only Started During ‘Resident Evil 4’
Hard-line players of “Resident Evil” know that Kennedy showcased some sarcastic personalities later in the franchise, not when he first appeared in it. This trait did not emerge until his appearance in “Resident Evil 4.” The studio embraced this trait of his in contrast to his earlier personality. Video game designer and director Hideki Kamiya once said that the character’s evolution to being a sarcastic touch guy was like “falling in love all over again,” except that Kamiya did not expect that side of Kennedy to be so popular.
3. His Face Is Based On A Real Person!
Believe it or not, right? Kennedy’s face is actually based on a real person. Christian Duerre, the animation department director, lent his face to this character in “Resident Evil 4” and had the department model it after him. So, gamers and fans, you know where to find the person that inspired Kennedy’s face if you want to see it.
4. He Was Late For His Day On The Job
Tough as he may be, but he also has to face his desires. Quite relatable, isn’t it? He actually came in late on his first day on the job because he was heavily drinking the night before. After breaking up with his girlfriend, he was in a motel off the highway. Hungover the following day, he made his trek to Raccoon City. But seeing what he can do, this may be passed off.
5. He Knew Something Weird Was Happening In Raccoon City Before Anybody Else Did
Did you know about this before? Well, Kennedy also ensured he had an inkling of what was happening before arriving at the scene. He chose to move to the city out of his interest in the widely publicized murders happening in and around the Arklay Mountains. For gamers who do not know yet, those mountains were actually not a tourist spot but the location of Umbrella Corporation’s Arklay Laboratory, NEST, and the Umbrella Executive Training School. Kennedy knew something weird was happening in Raccoon City and couldn’t wait to delve deeper into it.
6. He Moved To Raccoon City Partly Because Of His Break-Up
“Resident Evil” isn’t just about all the horrific stuff. It’s also about romance! Well, sort of. At the start of “Resident Evil 2,” Kennedy is single, but before the events of the game, he just split with his girlfriend. This break-up is partially why he wanted to move to Raccoon City – to get a fresh, new start. Little did he know that, aside from facing enemies, a new romance would brew.
7. Different Actors Voiced Him In Almost Every Game Release
Somewhat weird, right? Well, you can’t expect the voice actors to always be available during the game’s development, not to mention changing decisions within the studio. Thus, Kennedy is voiced by a different actor in almost every single one of them. For instance, Japanese voice actor Toshiyuki Morikawa voiced Kennedy in six games. Meanwhile, voice actor Paul Mercier voiced him in the game’s English dubs across three titles. Furthermore, six people have voiced the character in English games alone, still not including all the different individuals who have portrayed him in other media.
Kennedy is as interesting as he could be. If he were a real person with a social media account, you surely would follow him, wouldn’t you?
